VisioBraille Vario 440 User manual

Vario 440
User Guide
User guide version: 1.0
English 01/2022

Contents 2
VisioBraille - see with different eyes
VisioBraille GmbH specializes in products for blind and visually impaired
people.
The high-quality and innovative Braille products, screen and reading
devices as well as software solutions are developed and manufactured in
Germany and are designed for use in training, at work or at home.
We question the existing and go new and innovative ways. Ergonomics,
design and quality of our products developed and manufactured in
Germany meet the highest standards.
Encouraged by the positive reactions from customers and distributors,
VisioBraille has decided to continue producing products from the former
BAUM Retec AG and also to ensure service.
On this basis, newly developed devices are also available to users.
With innovative aids, we want to compensate for the limitations of blind
and visually impaired people as best as possible, strengthen their
independence and provide assistance on the way to an independently
designed everyday life.
This goal is achieved through our high level of commitment in the
development of high-quality products, through many years of experience
in this
Area, through excellent know-how and proven competence with the aid
of the most modern technologies, which noticeably improve the quality of
life of our customers.

Contents 3
Contents
1ABOUT THIS USER GUIDE............................................................................................4
2ABOUT VARIO 440 ........................................................................................................5
3BEFORE YOU BEGIN.....................................................................................................6
WHAT`S IN THE BOX................................................................................................ 6
4VARIO 440: GETTING TO KNOW THE DEVICE............................................................7
TOP SIDE............................................................................................................... 7
4.1.1 Braille Display and Display Buttons.......................................................... 7
RIGHT SIDE............................................................................................................ 8
5FIRST STEPS .................................................................................................................9
UPDATES FOR VARIO 440....................................................................................... 9
5.1.1 Performing firmware updates ................................................................... 9
6BRAILLE DISPLAY FUNCTIONS.................................................................................10
INTRODUCTION TO BRAILLE DISPLAY FUNCTIONS ....................................................10
USE VARIO 440 AS A REFRESHABLE BRAILLE DISPLAY.............................................10
7COMMON PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS ..................................................................10
8DEFECTS AND REPAIR...............................................................................................11
9COMPLIANCES............................................................................................................12
CE CONFORMITY ..................................................................................................12
FCC CONFORMITY................................................................................................12
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DISPOSAL ACCORDING TO EU-DIRECTIVE 2012/19/EU13
10 WARRANTY .................................................................................................................15
11 FOR YOUR SAFETY ....................................................................................................16
12 TECHNICAL DETAILS..................................................................................................19

About this user guide 4
1 About this user guide
Thank you for choosing a Vario 440 from VisioBraille. The purpose of
this user guide is to provide the end user and/or their service provider
with details on how to use Vario 440.
Vario 440 is a high-quality, German-made braille display, which will
provide you many years of reliable service. This user guide contains
everything you need to know to use your new device.
As you will learn, Vario 440 is very easy to use. In addition to instructions
on how to operate the device, this user guide also includes
recommendations what to do if anything goes wrong with the device, and
important safety guidelines.
We advise that you store this user guide in a safe place for future
reference.
Notice for End Users in Germany/Europe
This user guide is a part of the Vario 440 product, and should kept with
the product at all times. In the event Vario 440 is ever sold to a new end
user, this user guide must be provided to them.
Copyright © 2022 VisioBraille GmbH, Ossmaritzer-Straße 4c,
07745 Jena, Germany. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored
in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission from
VisioBraille GmbH.
All efforts have been made to ensure that information contained in this
document is correct at the time of issue. Neither VisioBraille GmbH nor
its representatives assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor
is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information
contained herein.
Licenses and trademarks
All licenses and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Vario 440 5
2 About Vario 440
The Vario 440 is our new refreshable braille display of VisioBraille. It was
design to be a high quality yet affordable braille display for computer
users in need of a compact device. It has 40 braille cells and 6 display
buttons. Vario 440 features a reversible USB Type C port, which means
it doesn't matter which direction the USB plug is facing. No more need
for testing and finding the right way to plug it in. Also the power will be
delivered over the USB-Port. The device is so power efficient that no
battery or additional power plug is needed. Like other VisioBraille
refreshable braille displays, Vario 440 is a Human Interface Device
(HID), which means a driver does not need to be installed to use it.

Before you begin 6
3 Before you begin
Please read the safety instructions at the end of this user guide and
check the contents of the packaging.
What`s in the box
1 Vario 440 Braille Display
1 USB C cable
1 manual

Vario 440: Getting to know the Device 7
4 Vario 440: Getting to know the Device
Top Side
The top of Vario 440 features a refreshable braille display with 40 braille
cells, cursor routing buttons, 6 display buttons. Three of the display
buttons are located on the left side of the braille cells, the other three on
the right sight. Let’s take a closer look.
4.1.1 Braille Display and Display Buttons
To the left and right side of the braille display, you will find three small,
round buttons. These are the display keys, which we refer to as D1, D2,
D3, D4, D5, and D6. Think of these 6 buttons as a braille cell split in two,
with D123 on the left and D456 on the right. These buttons are used to
navigate the display left and right, up and down, and used to control the
screen reader on a computer.

Vario 440: Getting to know the Device 8
Right Side
On the right side of Vario 440 you can find the USB port, which is USB
type C. Special about the USB Type C port is, that it doesn't matter
which direction the USB plug is facing. No more finding the right position
of the plug.
With this USB Port and the included cable the Vario 440 is connected to
a computer. The cable is simultaneously used for power supply and USB
connection.
The Vario 440 needs that less power, so it can be used as a low power
device at the USB port. That means that in case it is used with a battery
powered notebook, the runtime of the notebook is nearly not reduced.
As Vario 440 has no battery, you are never in need to change one.

First steps 9
5 First steps
As soon as Vario 440 gets power via USB connection the device name
and version number is shown on the braille cells. This message will
disappear automatically after short time or when the screenreader sents
his data.
Updates for Vario 440
From time to time, new Vario 440 firmware updates will become
available for download on our website. Please visit “Support” at
http://www.visiobraille.de
5.1.1 Performing firmware updates
A small PC tool must be executed to install a new firmware version on
Vario 440. Therefore Vario 440 must be switched on and connected to
the computer. During the installation the braille display shows a progress
bar. After the process is finished, Vario 440 will restart automatically and
shows the new version number. The update process will take a few
minutes to be completed.

Braille Display Functions 10
6 Braille Display Functions
Introduction to Braille Display Functions
The following sections will explain how to connect the Vario 440 to other
devices and use it as a refreshable braille display.
Use Vario 440 as a refreshable Braille
Display
Insert the USB type C cable in the USB type C port on Vario 440. You do
not need to check which side is up and down, because the cable on this
end is reversible. Connect the other end of the USB cable into the USB
port of your computer. The computer will recognize Vario 440
automatically as a USB HID Braille display. There is no need to install
specific device driver.
You may have to install a driver for the screen reader; further details can
be found in the manual of your screenreader.
7 Common problems and solutions
The device does not work.
Check if Vario 440 is connected to USB port and computer.

Defects and repair 11
8 Defects and repair
If Vario 440 is defective–what to do?
Did you check all settings and connections according to the user
guide?
Are you sure the power is live?
Do not use a broken device! Unplug broken device from mains! Please
do not hesitate to contact your local VisioBraille GmbH dealer or
VisioBraille GmbH.
You can reach VisioBraille GmbH at telephone number ([phone]-
400 in Germany. We will help you check your Vario 440 in case it is
broken we can mail a service box for shipping Vario 440 to our repair
department.

Compliances 12
9 Compliances
CE Conformity
This product conforms to the guidelines of the European
Union and takes the CE- and RoHS Marking.
FCC Conformity
1. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1)This device may not cause harmful interference,
and
(2)This device must accept any interference
received, including interference’s that may cause
undesirable operation
2. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Roles. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation.

Compliances 13
Environmentally friendly disposal according
to EU-Directive 2012/19/EU
The symbol (crossed garbage can), which is also attached to
the device, states that this device and its accessories, once
come to the end of its lifetime, should not be regarded as
household waste. An environmentally friendly way of final
disposal is compulsory.
This device contains electronic components. In order to avoid risks or
dangers for the environment through non-professional waste disposal,
the disposal of this device and its accessories must correspond to the
valid EC-Directives or other local regulations. Please check your local
regulations for proper disposing of this device or consult your local
distributor.
For data privacy protection reasons, please remove all personal data
from the device prior to disposal.

10 Warranty
VisioBraille GmbH warrants the device, effective from the date of
delivery, to be free of any defects in material and workmanship. Warranty
is not transferable and does not apply to groups, multi users or agencies.
This device has been designed for the individual purchaser to be used in
home or office environments. VisioBraille GmbH reserves the right to
repair or replace with a similar or better product. In no event shall
VisioBraille GmbH or its distributors be liable for indirect or consequential
damages. The original users’ remedies are limited to replacement of
devices modules/parts. This warranty is valid only when service is done
in the country of original purchase and with intact warranty seals. For
additional warranty claims or service during or after warranty period,
please refer to your local distributor. VisioBraille GmbH does not take
responsibility for use of this device other than described in this Manual.
Warranty on new devices is 24 months.
Warranty on used or refurbished devices is 12 months.
Warranty on Consumable parts (Batteries, Braille Pins, Data carriers
etc.) is 6 months.
Warranty on storage media (SD-cards, CD-ROMS, DVD’s, etc.) is 90
days.
Warranty on repairs and spare parts is 12 months.
All defects caused by improper use or users fault are not covered by this
warranty.
Warranty will be void if warranty seal is damaged.
Parts replaced during repair are transferred into ownership of VisioBraille
GmbH and will not be returned to the customer.
In case of repair the device must be properly packed into its original
shipping box.
Costs for packing, shipping and insurance are not covered by VisioBraille
GmbH.

For your safety 16
11 For your safety
Important note: Failure to observe the following warnings may
invalidate the guarantee and could cause damage of the device or
serious injury.
Please check the contents of package before you use the device. If parts
are damaged or missing, please do not hesitate to inform your dealer.
Please keep the shipping box, so you can safely pack the device in case
you have to ship it for service, etc. Improper packaging could cause loss
of warranty. In case you need a new shipping box, your dealer can send
you one.
Please carefully read the user guide and safety instructions before you
use the device for the first time.
This device may only be used in a home or office environment.
Do not place on an instable surface. It may fall causing serious damage
to the device or injury to the user. Please follow the instruction on how to
place the device especially in respect to avoidance of tilting and falling
down by keeping proper space to edges of table.
Do not use the device if you find any damages at device or wires.
If the device appears to be operating abnormally, or to be damaged in
any way, please contact your VisioBraille GmbH dealer as soon as
possible.
If you smell smoke or an door coming out of the device, unplug the USB-
cable.
Do not try to repair the device yourself. Opening or removal of housing
may cause damage or injury.
Do not allow sand or dust to come into contact with the device as this
may lead to serious damage and could make repair impossible.

For your safety 17
Use the device with clean hands only.
Do not use in locations where strong radio waves are emitted or where
there is radiation. Keep a distance of at least 30cm to mobile phones.
Only use original accessories. Use of second source accessories may
damage the device or cause malfunction or safety issues.
Avoid liquids and food near the device.
Do not use or store the device in any of the following places as this may
cause damage:
Inside cars parked with the windows closed in the hot sun.
In direct sunlight or close to heaters, radiators, etc.
Locations subject to severe vibration such as on top of a washing
machine.
Locations subject to strong magnetism such as near loudspeakers.
Humid places (bath room), in water, or near water.
In rain or snow
Do not use or store below 0°C / 41°F or above 40°C / 104°F.
Humidity shall be within 20% to 80%
Avoid fast temperature changes
If you bring the device from cold places into a warm room, humidity may
condensate. Wait until the device is dry and well-tempered to room
temperature before use.
Unplug from mains before cleaning.
Wipe dust and dirt from the device with a soft cloth dampened with a
diluted neutral detergent, then wipe dry with a cloth. Do not bring in
contact with water.
Do not insert objects into openings.
Do not use device during thunderstorms. Unplug from mains during
thunderstorms. We recommend use of an overvoltage protection adapter

For your safety 18
for your computer or notebook, which can be bought from your local
electro store. Please note, this does not provide a 100% protection from
overvoltage.
Do not insert or remove the plug with wet hands.
Do not heat in a microwave oven, on a cooker or similar.
Never disassemble, attempt to repair or modify device yourself.
If liquids or metal fragments should enter device, remove the USB-cable
immediately.
Do not pull the plug out by the lead when removing the cable.
Avoid shock. Do not throw or let fall.
Repairs may only be carried out by VisioBraille GmbH service personal
or by service technicians authorized by VisioBraille GmbH.
Care and Maintenance
Avoid damp and water.
Use only a clean, dry cloth to clean the housing of the device. Do not use
any cleaning fluids or solvents. Wipe dust and dirt from the housing of
the device with a soft cloth dampened with a diluted neutral detergent
(stay clear from the Braille cells and Roll-bars!), then wipe dry with a
cloth. Do not attempt to clean the Braille cells and/or Roll-bars yourself.
Contact your dealer for intensive and professional cleaning of your
device.
Protect the device from extreme heat, e.g. from the sun, heating units,
hot cars etc.
With extreme cold and frost the device becomes inoperable and must be
brought slowly back to room temperature. Under no circumstances must

Technical details 19
the device be warmed up or “thawed out” in a conventional oven,
microwave oven or any other heating device!
Avoid any mechanical damage to the housing or accessories.
12 Technical details
40 Braille cells with integrated Cursor Routing buttons
HID - Human Interface Device
Six function keys
USB Type C Port
Housing: Aluminum, brushed
Measurements: 310 x 17 x 60 mm
Weight: 440 g
Power supply via USB
Charging rate: 100mA max.

© 2022 VisioBraille GmbH
Manufacturer:
VisioBraille GmbH
Ossmaritzer-Straße 4c
D –07745 Jena
Germany
Sales and Support:
VisioBraille GmbH
Ossmaritzer-Straße 4c
D - 07745 Jena
Germany
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.visiobraille.de
US-Master-Distributor:
Insidevision Inc.
Igor Feinberg
185 Alewife Parkway
#201A Cambridge, MA 02183
Phone: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.insidevision-us.com
Please be advised that this user guide may contain errors, and is therefore
subject to being changed or updated without prior notice.